Best New Hardware

12/12/2013 6:00:00 PM

Acer Iconia
W700P-6821
Acer Inc.

Acer’s Iconia W700 offers
a hybrid desktop/tablet or
modular small PC solution.
It can be used alone as a
normal Windows 8 tablet,
or it can be connected to its
docking station and Bluetooth
keyboard as a touchscreen PC. Judges raved over the
“high-quality sound” and they liked the screen rotation lock feature. One judge
added that the keyboard connection was “flawless” and found the device sturdy
enough for classroom use.

Acer C710-2847
Chromebook
Acer Inc.

The Acer C710-2847
Chromebook is an affordable
yet powerful machine with
a 320GB hard drive, a full
selection of ports, and a
keyboard that blends traditional
and Chrome layouts. Judges
praised the “wired network and
external monitor ability.” They
also preferred the additional
keyboard capabilities to other
Chromebooks.

AVer EVC100 Interactive Video
Conferencing
AVer Information, Inc.

The EVC100 provides high-definition, user-friendly
interactive video conferencing systems in
one box, making it easy for schools to start IVC
programs. Judges were impressed with the HD
quality and affordable price. They also liked
having multiple inputs.

Capture HD High-Definition Capture Recorder
Crestron

The Crestron HD High-Definition Capture Recorder offers a cost-effective solution
for capturing lectures, presentations, and training sessions in 1080p definition,
used on its own or as part of a CaptureLiveHD system. One judge suggested that
it could be used to set up high-quality online courses in a quick and well-designed
way. Another judge raved over the integrated lecture recording system.

AVer TabSync iPad Sync and Charge Cart
AVer Information, Inc.

The AVer TabSync is a tablet-agnostic sync and charge cart
that can be set up in minutes, and it can also be used to deploy
and manage 32 iPad, Android, and Windows tablets. Judges
appreciated the helpful touches of pre-numbered slots and a
drawer to hold dongles. One judge raved over the pre-wired USB
power extensions and said that its lightweight nature made it easy
to move between classrooms.

eBeam Edge Wireless with Battery Pack
Luidia Inc.

The eBeam Edge Wireless is now available with an Edge Battery Pack that provides
up to a week’s worth of typical use and can transform any surface into an interactive
learning space, no matter where the computer is placed. Judges found it easy to
navigate through the on-screen wheel interface. They appreciated that it was small,
easy to set up, and wireless, making it a portable solution for classrooms.

GALAXY Note 10.1
Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet is powered by a 2.3Ghz quad-core
processor with 3GB memory, features high-speed LTE
connectivity, and includes an 8-megapixel camera with auto
focus, LED flash, and enhanced battery life. Judges found it easy
to navigate and reported that it responded very quickly to touch.
They thought the included stylus was a nice touch, and they liked
that the speakers are located in the front for crisp sound while
holding the device.

MimioProjector
Mimio

The Mimio Projector is built around a 1280x800
DLP chip, offers high brightness of 2800 lumens,
and can be integrated with Mimio’s IR camera.
Judges raved over the “great picture quality” and
liked the ability to use two pens simultaneously
for real-time collaboration. They also appreciated
the multiple input/output options, such as HDMI,
VGA, and S Video.

The AP 6562 Outdoor
Dual Radio 802.11 a/b/g/n MESH Wireless Access Point supports
bandwidth-heavy wireless applications and a large number of
wireless devices, even when used outdoors. Judges said it would
be great for schools with outdoor classrooms or peripheral
buildings. Though it’s designed for business, the judges found it
excellent for school applications.